Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing communications services

ABSTRACT

An aspect of providing communications services to Internet Protocol-enabled devices includes storing, in an account of the subscriber, a globally unique identifier for each of a plurality of the devices associated with the subscriber. For each of the devices, the globally unique identifier is appended to a network address of the subscriber in the account, where each of the devices is uniquely addressable via the appended globally unique identifier and network address. An aspect also includes provisioning a subscriber-selected communications service for the account, and assigning to the account subscriber-selected permissions for defining access to features of the communications service for individuals specified in the account with respect to a corresponding device. The permissions are assigned based on a combined user identifier and corresponding globally unique identifier. An aspect further includes providing the communications service to the individuals associated with the account subject to the permissions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 11/537,720 filed Oct. 2, 2006 which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/722,595, entitled METHODS, SYSTEMSAND COMPUTER PROGRAMS FOR PROVIDING INTERNET PROTOCOL TELEVISIONSERVICES, filed on Sep. 30, 2005, the contents of which are incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety. This application is related tocommonly assigned U.S. application Ser. No. 11/537,708, entitledMETHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR PROVIDING NETWORKCONVERGENCE OF APPLICATIONS AND DEVICES, filed on Oct. 2, 2006. Thisapplication is also related to commonly assigned U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/537,711, entitled METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAMPRODUCTS FOR PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED CONTENT, filed On Oct. 2, 2006. Thisapplication is also related to commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No.7,801,054, entitled METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FORIMPLEMENTING NETWORK VISUALIZATION SERVICES, filed On Oct. 2, 2006. Thisapplication is also related to commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No.7,890,552, entitled METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FORIMPLEMENTING MEDIA CONTENT ANALYSIS, DISTRIBUTION, AND RE-ALLOCATIONSERVICES, filed On Oct. 2, 2006. This application is also related tocommonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 8,223,938, entitled METHODS, SYSTEMS,AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR PROVIDING CALLER IDENTIFICATIONSERVICES, filed On Oct. 2, 2006. This application is also related tocommonly assigned U.S. application Ser. No. 11/537,724, entitledMETHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR PROVIDING TARGETEDADVERTISING TO COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES, filed On Oct. 2, 2006. Thisapplication is also related to commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No.8,804,695, entitled METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FORPROVIDING ALERTS AND NOTIFICATIONS, filed On Oct. 2, 2006. Each of theabove applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to communications, and moreparticularly, to methods, systems, and computer program products forproviding communications services to Internet Protocol-enabledcommunications devices.

In order to stay competitive, communications service providers areseeking new ways to enhance customer satisfaction, over and above thecurrent voice telephony services. Text messaging, picture messaging, andother services have proven to be popular additions to existingcommunications service packages. Services, such as text messaging,provide convenience, flexibility, and seamless integration with existingvoice services.

The demand for these value-added services has provided communicationsservice providers with additional sources of revenue. As advances incommunications technologies continue to be realized, the need and demandfor these and other value-added services will most likely continue to beexploited by service providers and their competitors.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments include methods, systems, and computer programproducts for providing communications services to InternetProtocol-enabled devices associated with a subscriber. A method includesproviding communications services to Internet Protocol-enabled devicesincludes storing, in an account of the subscriber, a globally uniqueidentifier for each of a plurality of the devices associated with thesubscriber. For each of the devices, the globally unique identifier isappended to a network address of the subscriber in the account, whereeach of the devices is uniquely addressable via the appended globallyunique identifier and network address. The method also includesprovisioning a subscriber-selected communications service for theaccount, and assigning to the account subscriber-selected permissionsfor defining access to features of the communications service forindividuals specified in the account with respect to a correspondingdevice. The permissions are assigned based on a combined user identifierand corresponding globally unique identifier. The method furtherincludes providing the communications service to the individualsassociated with the account subject to the permissions.

Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products according toembodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art uponreview of the following drawings and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, and/or computerprogram products be included within this description, be within thescope of the exemplary embodiments, and be protected by the accompanyingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alikein the several FIGURES:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a network convergence infrastructure forproviding consolidated system services in accordance with exemplaryembodiments;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram a portion of the network convergenceinfrastructure for use in establishing and utilizing a networkconvergence service account in accordance with exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram describing a process for establishing andutilizing a network convergence service account via the networkconvergence infrastructure in exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a portion of the network convergenceinfrastructure for implementing customized content services in exemplaryembodiments;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram describing a process for implementing thecustomized content services in exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a user interface screen depicting a main menu for use inimplementing the customized content services in exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a user interface screen including options for managing usersof the customized content services in exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a user interface screen depicting a sample personalizedelectronic programming guide created via the customized content servicesin exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a portion of the network convergenceinfrastructure for implementing targeted advertising services inexemplary embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram describing a process for implementing thetargeted advertising services in exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a portion of the network convergenceinfrastructure for implementing targeted advertising services inalternative exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a portion of the network convergenceinfrastructure for implementing IPTV caller identification services forcalls terminating at a wireline communications device using atermination attempt trigger in exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram describing a process for implementing the IPTVcaller identification services for calls terminating at a wirelinecommunications device using a termination attempt trigger in exemplaryembodiments;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a portion of the network convergenceinfrastructure for implementing IPTV caller identification services forcalls terminating at a wireless mobile communications device using atermination attempt trigger in exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a portion of the network convergenceinfrastructure for implementing IPTV caller identification services inalternative exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a portion of the network convergenceinfrastructure for implementing communications messaging services inexemplary embodiments;

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of a process for implementing thecommunications messaging services in exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a high level view of the networkconvergence infrastructure for use in implementing emergency alerts andnotifications, network visualization services, and neural networkservices in exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a portion of the network convergenceinfrastructure for implementing emergency alerts and notificationservices in exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a portion of the network convergenceinfrastructure for implementing network visualization services inexemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 21 through 23 are user interface screens depicting network andmedia performance data facilitated via the network visualizationservices in exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 24 is a flow diagram describing a process for implementing thenetwork visualization services in exemplary embodiments; and

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a portion of the network convergenceinfrastructure for implementing neural network (media content analysis,distribution, and re-allocation) services in exemplary embodiments.

The detailed description explains the exemplary embodiments, togetherwith advantages and features, by way of example with reference to thedrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to FIG. 1, a generalized depiction of a network convergenceinfrastructure is shown, which provides consolidated system services tousers of communications devices, as well as to associated businessenterprises. The network convergence infrastructure 102 integratesapplications and devices that operate over multiple types of networksystems. The network convergence infrastructure 102 integratesapplications and services provided, e.g., over circuit-switched networksand packet-switched networks, such as networks 104 as described furtherherein. The networks may utilize various transmission protocols andtechnologies, such as Internet Protocol (IP), asynchronous transfer mode(ATM), and frame relay protocols for transmitting data. The networkconvergence infrastructure 102 may include a diverse set of networkelements, such as, e.g., hubs, switches, routers, trunks, etc. Inaddition, signaling and transmission protocols, such as signaling system7 (SS7), 802.11, GR1188, TCP/IP, SIP, and others may be implemented viathe network convergence infrastructure 102 as described further herein.

The types of services that may be provided via the network convergenceinfrastructure 102 include, e.g., customized content services 106,targeted advertising services 108, caller identification services 110,communications messaging services 112, emergency alerts/notificationservices 114, network visualization services 116, and neural networkservices 118. It will be understood that additional services may beimplemented via the network convergence infrastructure 102, including,e.g., information services, e-commerce activities, etc. The networkconvergence infrastructure 102 is described in greater detail in FIGS. 2and 3. The customized content services 106 are described in greaterdetail in FIGS. 4 through 8. The targeted advertising services 108 aredescribed in greater detail in FIGS. 9 through 11. The calleridentification services 110 are described in further detail in FIGS. 12through 15. The communications messaging services 112 are described infurther detail in FIGS. 16 and 17. The emergency alerts/notificationservices 114 are described in further detail in FIGS. 18 and 19. Thenetwork visualization services 116 are described in further detail inFIGS. 18 and 20 through 24. The neural network services 118 aredescribed in greater detail in FIGS. 18 and 25.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a portion of the network convergenceinfrastructure 102 will now be described in accordance with exemplaryembodiments. The network convergence infrastructure 102 provides a meansfor accessing network services for multiple disparate devices using asingle sign on procedure. The network convergence infrastructure 102manages accounts, each of which is established for a community ofdevices and/or device users. These accounts may then be used to provideaccess to the consolidated system services 106-118 as described furtherherein.

As shown in FIG. 2, a host system 202 is in communication with anauthentication server 204 and communications devices 214A-214C via oneor more networks 206. Host system 202 may be implemented using ahigh-speed processing device (e.g., a computer system) that is capableof handling high volume activities conducted via communications devices(e.g., communications devices 214A-214C), and other network entities(e.g., authentication server 204). Host system 202 may be implemented bya network service provider, content service provider, or otherenterprise.

Communications device 214A may be a computer device, such as ageneral-purpose desktop or laptop system that operates over one or moreof networks 206 via an access technology such as, but not limited to,digital subscriber line (DSL) technology, cable modem technology, ordial-up technology. Communications device 214B may be an InternetProtocol-enabled television (IPTV). Communications device 214C may be amobile telephone that operates over a wireless network (e.g., one ofnetworks 206) using various wireless protocols. In exemplaryembodiments, at least one of communications devices 214A-214Cestablishes an account that is managed by the provider enterprise ofhost system 202. For example, communications device 214A may receiveInternet services from the provider enterprise of host system 202. Assuch, an account record may be generated for the user of communicationsdevice 214A that identifies the user and the account for which theservices are provided. Account information and records (also referred toherein as ‘network convergence account records’) may be stored in astorage device accessible by the host system 202, such as storage device210.

In exemplary embodiments, communications devices 214A-214C areowned/operated by one or more individuals that share some relationship(e.g., members of a household). While only three communications devices214A-214C are shown in FIG. 2, it will be understood that many suchcommunications devices may be used to form a community of communicationsdevices. For example, a wireline PSTN telephone, SIP telephone,dual-mode mobile telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or othertype of communications device may be included in the system of FIG. 2.The host system 202 implements one or more applications for establishingand utilizing a network convergence service account. These one or moreapplications are collectively referred to herein as a networkconvergence application 208. A network convergence service account maybe created for a community of communications devices (e.g., devices214A-214C) as described herein.

Authentication server 204 may be implemented using a high-speedprocessing device (e.g., a computer system) that is capable of handlinghigh volume activities conducted via communications devices (e.g.,communications devices 214A-214C), and other network entities (e.g.,router 218A, server 218B, base station or cell tower 218C, etc.) via oneor more networks (e.g., networks 206). Authentication server 204receives requests from one or more communications devices 214A-214Ceither to establish a network convergence service account or to accessnetwork services (e.g., consolidated system services 106-118).Authentication server 204 may implement authentication software forrestricting or controlling access to network services provided by thehost system 202. Authentication server 204 may be in communication witha customer identity system (CIS) database 212, which stores usercredentials (e.g., user names and passwords) established via the networkconvergence application 208.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the system of FIG. 2 includes amodem 216A communicatively coupled to communications device 214A androuter 218A, a set top box 216B communicatively coupled tocommunications device 214B and server 218B, and a subscriber identitymodule (SIM) card 216C communicatively coupled to communications device214C and base station 218C. Further, authentication systems 220A-220Care in communication with router 218A, server 218B, and 218C,respectively. These network elements are described further herein.

As indicated above, networks 206 may include circuit-switched and/orpacket-switched technologies and devices, such as routers, switches,hubs, etc., for facilitating communications between communicationsdevices 214A-214C and authentication server 204. Networks may includewireline and/or wireless components utilizing, e.g., 802.11 standardsfor providing over-the-air transmissions of communications.

In exemplary embodiments, a communications device is provisioned for thenetwork convergence infrastructure 102 by associating a deviceidentifier of the communications device with a respective account. Theaccount, in turn, identifies each of the communications devicesbelonging to the community and provides other information as describedherein. Turning now to FIG. 3, a process for establishing and utilizinga network convergence service account via the network convergenceinfrastructure 102 will now be described in exemplary embodiments. Whilenot necessary to realize the advantages of the embodiments, the processdescribed in FIG. 3 assumes that at least one of the communicationsdevices 214A-214C has been provisioned for receiving access to networkservices provided by the host system 202. For example, a user ofcommunications device 214A may have established an account with the hostsystem 202 for receiving Internet access, e.g., DSL services. It is alsoassumed that communications devices 214B and 214C are inactive (e.g.,recently purchased and unprovisioned). In addition, it is assumed thatall of communications devices 214A-214C are associated with a singleuser or a community of users (e.g., household members). One or more ofthe communications devices 214A-214C may be co-located in a customerpremises.

A user of a communications device (e.g., 214C) requests provisioning ofthe device 214C for receiving mobile telephone services. For example, atthe time of cellular service provisioning, the user may be prompted toreceive the network convergence services (e.g., via voice or textmessage at the device). A unique identifier provided in the SIM card216C of the communications device 214C may be used as a deviceidentifier by the network convergence application 208. In addition, theuser may be asked to enter user credentials (e.g., user name andpassword associated with the account, or other account information) inorder to authenticate the user with the host system 202. Likewise, atthe time of provisioning, a user of communications device 214B may beprompted via set top box 216B and the display on communications device214B to enter user credentials for authentication. The device identifierused to identify the communications device 214B may be a uniqueidentifier (e.g., globally unique identifier (GUID), a MAC address,serial number, etc.) assigned to the set top box 216B duringmanufacture.

In either case, according to exemplary embodiments, a one time onlyprovisioning authentication occurs for the device (e.g., 214B or 214C)by transmitting the device identifier (e.g., SIM number or GUID) anduser credentials to the respective authentication systems 220. Forcommunications device 214B, this transmission may occur via set top box216B and server 218B to authentication system 220B. For communicationsdevice 214C, this transmission may occur via SIM card 216C and basestation 218C to authentication system 220C. Different authenticationsystems 220A-220C are implemented based upon the particular type ofcommunications device and network service.

In addition, the device identifier and user credentials are alsoreceived by authentication server 204 at step 250. At step 252, the usercredentials and device identifier are authenticated. For example, theauthentication server 204 determines if the user credentials stored inthe network convergence service account (in storage device 210) arevalid. In addition, the authentication server 204 receives informationfrom the relevant authentication system 220 for the communicationsdevice. At step 254, it is determined whether the user credentials anddevice identifier are valid. If not, an error message is generated andtransmitted to the communications device at step 256. Otherwise, thedevice identifier is stored with the user credentials in the CISdatabase 212 at step 258. The network convergence service account recordis updated to reflect the new communications device 214C.

At step 260, the user credentials and device identifier are used toprovide a single sign on for the user associated with the account. Thenetwork convergence application 208 utilizes the user credentials anddevice identifiers in the network convergence service account to route asign on request from respective devices to authentication server 204 forproviding a single sign on credential.

Once the community of communications devices 214A-214C has beenprovisioned and the user credentials/device identifiers have been storedin the network convergence service account, these devices may thenaccess the consolidated system services 106-118 as described furtherherein.

As indicated above, the consolidated system services include customizedcontent services 106. The customized content services 106 enable usersof IPTV communications devices, e.g., communications device 214B, tocustomize content received on the device, as well as access otherservices. According to exemplary embodiments, types of programming,program content provider preferences, parental controls, and interactivecommunications including electronic purchasing, are among the manyservices provided via the customized content services 106.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a block diagram of a portion of the networkconvergence infrastructure 102 for implementing customized contentservices 106 will now be described in exemplary embodiments. The systemof FIG. 4 includes elements similar to those described in FIG. 2. Tothis extent, these elements will not be further described.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the system of FIG. 4 includes acontent server 302 in communication with host system 202A,authentication server 204A, and communications devices 214A-214C overnetworks 206. Content server 302 may be implemented at a video head endoffice (VHO), regional video services office (VSO) or other source ofcontent that distributes programming, news, gaming, etc., on a local,national, or international basis. While only one content server 302 isshown for ease of illustration, it will be understood that contentserver 302 may be one of many content servers 302 in communication withthe network convergence infrastructure 102 of FIG. 4. These contentservers may provide a variety of content over an IP-based network. Thecontent may include premium channels, broadcast programming, andInternet-based matter. The content provided by content servers mayinclude, e.g., news, sports, weather, business, shopping, traffic,stocks, etc., and may provide a range of content types, such as healthand fitness, documentaries, comedy, science fiction, action/adventure,honor, romance, drama, etc., over IP-based network. A user of thecustomized content services 106 may designate preferred contentproviders and preferred content, as well as preferred localized contentwith respect to, e.g., weather, traffic, etc.

Host system 202A executes a custom content application 306 forfacilitating the customized content services 106 described herein. Usersof communications devices 214A-214C, who have established a networkconvergence service account (FIG. 2) may establish personalizedelectronic programming guides for customizing the content provided bycontent sources (e.g., content server 302). In addition, a separateidentity for each IPTV-enabled communications device (e.g.,communications device 214B) associated with the account may beestablished for further personalizing the content received by users inthe account. Although the following description references thecommunications device 214B as being IPTV-enabled, it should beappreciated that other communications devices (e.g., 214A and/or 214C)may also be IPTV-enabled and may request and display personalizedelectronic programming guides as discussed below with regard tocommunications device 214B.

The custom content application 306 may provide a user interface via adisplay screen of the communications device 214B such that a user of thedevice 214B may be prompted to establish a personalized electronicprogramming guide. The options provided by the user interface may beselected via input features and functions (e.g., up/down, left/rightarrow keys, ‘select’ key, etc.) provided on the communications device214B, the display screen of the communications device 214B, or on aremote control device associated with the communications device 214B.

In addition, a set top box (e.g., 216B) associated with thecommunications device 214B may be configured to send a unique deviceidentifier (e.g., GUID, MAC address, serial number, etc.) to the hostsystem 202A, which in turn, initiates the custom content application306. In this embodiment, the custom content application 306 presents theuser interface options on the communications device 214B and associatesresults of the user's selections with the device identifier. Further,the device identifier may then be used, along with the user's networkaddress, or PPPoE address, provided in the account to designate atransmission address for distributing the customized content. Forexample, if the GUID is used as a device identifier and the user'scredentials are “PPPoE @ networkdomainaddress.non”, the custom contentapplication 306 creates a network address:“GUID#.PPPoE@networkdomainaddress.non”. In this manner, the device 214Bitself becomes a separate ‘user’ in the account.

Once a user registers the device with the host system 202A, the user maybe prompted via the communications device 214A to rename the device(e.g., LIVINGROOM_TV, JOEYS_BDRM_TV, etc.). The custom contentapplication 306 stores the new user credentials (i.e., the deviceidentifier and PPPoE information) in the customer identity store 212A.Future requests from users to access content via the custom contentapplication 306 will be authenticated by authentication server 204A asthe device has been provisioned for the network services, as well as thecustomized content services 106. If a user chooses not to ‘log in’ tothe account prior to accessing content on the communications device214B, the user will be presented with content as typically implementedin the art.

As indicated above, a registered user may establish a personalizedelectronic programming guide via the customized content services 106. Inaddition, a user with maximum defined access control privileges (e.g.,head of household, parent, etc.) as configured via the custom contentapplication 306, may manage other users established in the account.Turning now to FIG. 5, a process for implementing the customized contentservices 106 will now be described in exemplary embodiments. The processbegins at step 350, whereby a user requests access to the customizedcontent services 106 via host system 202A. The custom contentapplication 306 presents a user interface screen with options to theuser via, e.g., a display screen on the communications device 214B.Alternatively, the user may access a web site of the host system 202Avia one or more of the communications devices 214A-214B associated withthe community having a web browser (e.g., via communications device214A) in order to create the personalized electronic programming guide.A sample user interface screen is shown in FIG. 6. The user interfacescreen 366 of FIG. 6 includes a ‘sign in’ or authentication window 368.

The user is prompted to enter a user name (not shown) and password(e.g., if logging in via a personal computer) or a PIN (e.g., if loggingin via an IPTV device, such as communications device 214B). Once enteredand validated, the custom content application 306 assigns the user'scredentials (e.g., PIN and/or user name and password) to the account indatabase 210A. The user interface screen 366 also includes a personaldevice desktop window 370 (referred to below as a personal device top)including options for customizing content as described herein. Inaddition to associating a user identification with an account, thecustom content application 306 further provides the ability to define auser by a role, or a relationship of the user among other users in theaccount. As shown in the user interface screen 366, a window 372provides ‘personality’ selections based upon roles. The roles may beused by the custom content application 306 to define access controlcapabilities for each of the users in the account. For example, theroles “Dad” and “Mom” may be given maximum access control capabilitiesfor managing user activities for other roles associated with the account(e.g., “Son”, “Daughter”).

If a user with maximum access control capabilities selects the “ManageUsers” option on personal device-top window 370, a new user interfacescreen 380 is presented as shown in FIG. 7. User interface screen 380may include a window 382 for managing users. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the user with maximum defined access controls enters thename of a user for which controls are desired and may select apersonality, or role, of the user, in this case, “Son” 384. The userthen selects parental controls 386 to define the restrictions to contentand services as shown in the window 388 of FIG. 7. Alternatively, if theuser has already been defined for the account (e.g., a personality hasalready been selected), the user with maximum defined access controlsmay instead select “Parental Controls” 375 directly from the window 370of FIG. 6.

Returning to FIG. 7, a variety of access restrictions may be placed on auser via the parental controls feature. For example, restrictionsregarding content ratings, content situations, Web content, servicessuch as games and video on demand, in addition to calling restrictionsmay be placed on a user via the parental control feature. These callingrestrictions may be based upon destination calling numbers (e.g., viacalling list window 390), by time ranges, or a combination of the above.

Returning now to FIG. 5, a process for creating a personalizedelectronic programming guide will be continued. At step 354, the customcontent application 306 presents a listing of programming contentsources for selection. These content sources may include broadcastcontent, IP-based content, premium channel content, etc. A userinterface screen depicting a sample customized EPG is shown in FIG. 8.The user has selected the content sources listed in the user interfacescreen 392 of FIG. 8. The custom content application 306 assigns thesepreferences to the user's account at step 354. In addition, if a rolehas been selected by the user (e.g., “Dad”), this role may be assignedto the user's account as well at step 356.

The custom content application 306 creates a profile that includes thesepreferences (and role, if selected) and stores the profile in database210A of FIG. 4. A personalized electronic programming guide is createdfor the user at step 360. The personalized electronic programming guide(EPG) is used by the host system 202A in determining which channels willbe presented to the communications device 214. In this manner, the useris able to bypass those channels in which he/she has no interest.

At step 362, it is determined whether another request for an electronicprogramming guide is received. If so, the process returns to step 352.Otherwise, the process ends at step 364. The custom content application306 may utilize user credentials (e.g., PIN and/or user name andpassword) and device identifiers (e.g., GUID, MAC address, etc.)provided in the account as described in FIGS. 2 and 3 to direct thecustomized content to the device currently operated by the user. In thismanner, the user may access customized content via his/her EPG at anydevice identified in the account.

The features provided by the personal device-top window 370 of FIG. 6may include purchasing items that are advertised or presented on thedisplay screen of the communications device via an e-wallet component. Auser may be prompted to select an item for purchase whereby the e-walletfeature is initiated. In exemplary embodiments, the e-wallet featureincorporates bank account information (e.g., credit card data, routingnumbers, etc.) for an account and routes the purchase data (e.g.,purchase price, date, seller information) to a destination based uponthe bank account information. This bank account information may bestored in the user's account and accessed at any time a purchase isdesired.

A sample account record for a community of users may include thefollowing information fields whereby one or more fields are mapped toone or more others of these fields: ACCT ID, USER/ENTITY, ROLE_MAX,ROLE_SUB, DEVICE_ID, ENTITY_ADDRESS, CREDENTIALS. The ACCT ID mayidentify the group of users assigned to the account (e.g., familymembers in a household). The USER/ENTITY may identify each individualuser in the group and may include assigned devices for the account(e.g., LIVINGROOM_TV). The ROLE_MAX field may reference those users withmaximum privileges (e.g., “Dad”), while ROLE_SUB field may referencesubordinate privileges (e.g., “Son”). The CREDENTIALS fields may store alist of the user's sign on information, such as user name, password,PIN, etc.

Likewise, a profile may include some of the account informationdescribed above, and may include each user's individual preferences. Forexample, a profile for “Dad” may include personally selected televisionstations (e.g., sports channels, premium channels, etc), as well aspermissions granted to subordinate users (e.g., users identified in theROLE_SUB field of the account record), etc.

Once the profiles have been established for each account, informationassociated with the profiles and custom EPGs may be used to providetargeted advertising services to commercial advertising entities. Usinginformation provided in the user profiles and accounts stored indatabase 210A, as well as other sources of information, the targetedadvertising services 108 enable a service provider, such as host system202 to more particularly define a target market to which advertisementsmay be transmitted. In addition, the targeted advertising services 108provide the host system 202 with the ability to capture detailed viewinginformation with respect to users defined in the accounts and provideuseful reporting information to these advertisers. These features aredescribed further herein.

Turning now to FIGS. 9 and 11, block diagrams illustrating a portion ofthe network convergence infrastructure 102 for implementing targetedadvertising services 108 will now be described in exemplary embodiments.The system of FIGS. 9 and 11 include elements similar to those describedin FIGS. 2 and 4. To this extent, these elements will not be furtherdescribed. The system of FIG. 9 includes a host system 202B incommunication with a video-on-demand (VOD) server 402; an ad server 404;an ad traffic, billing and reporting system 406; and communicationsdevices 214B. Video-on-demand server 402 provides content programmingthat is distributed to communications devices (e.g., communicationsdevices 214B) upon request. For example, content provided by VOD server402 may include programming that is ordered and charged to the user on aper-viewing basis (e.g., Pay-per-view). In this embodiment, VOD server404 may be located in a video head end (VHO) office that handles contentdistribution for a large geographic region. Alternatively, the contentprovided by VOD server 402 may be localized content (e.g., video servingoffice (VSO), or central office (CO), etc.) that provides content thatis specific to the region in which the communications devices 214Breside. In further embodiments, the content provided by VOD server 402may be personal videos of users of communications devices 214B, wherebyVOD server 402 provides network storage of the content for the users.The content may be distributed to other communications devices 214B uponrequest of the owner (e.g., users of communications devices 214B).

Ad server 404 receives content 408 from a content source, e.g., contentserver 302 of FIG. 4. The ad server 404 includes logic for insertingadvertisements into the content data stream that is distributed overnetworks 206 to communications devices, such as communications devices214B. Ad server 404 may be implemented by the service provider of hostsystem 202B. The ad server 404 utilizes an electronic programming guide(e.g., EPG 424) to determine the appropriate time and location of aprogram within which to insert the advertisement. The EPG 424 mayinclude a schedule of programming including beginning and end times.

Ad traffic, billing and reporting system 406 receives results ofactivities conducted via the targeted advertising services 108 andgenerates reports for advertisers as will be described further herein.Ad traffic, billing and reporting system 406 may be implemented using ageneral-purpose computer processing device.

Host system 202B executes an advertising services application 410 forimplementing the targeted advertising services 108 described herein.Advertising services application 410 may interface with custom contentapplication 306A as needed. Host system 202B may also implement anapplication for collecting content stream data as will be describedherein. This content stream collection application may be implementedusing a channel monitoring process, such as the process and systemdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,718,551, as well as U.S. patent applicationSer. Nos. 08/779,306, 11/186,163, 10/036,677, 11/212,369, 10/017,111,11/212,350, 10/017,640, 10/036,923, 10/029,173, 10/034,654, 10/735,309,10/735,346, the entire contents of all these documents are incorporatedherein by reference.

Communications devices 214B receive distributed content from VOD server402 and/or ad server 404 via networks 206, gateway 412, and set topboxes 216B as described herein.

As indicated above, the targeted advertising services 108 utilizeinformation provided in the user profiles and accounts stored indatabase 210A, as well as other sources of information to enable aservice provider, such as host system 202B to more particularly define atarget market to which advertisements may be transmitted. Otherinformation may come from a variety of sources. For example, pastviewing activities may be gathered over time and stored in a marketingdatabase (e.g., MKIS database 420) as described herein. In addition,account information and profiles stored in database 210A may be used.Profile information provides information that may be useful indetermining a target market for advertising placement, e.g., role,gender, age group, personalized electronic programming guides, etc.provide significant information about a particular content viewer. Otherinformation may be derived from external sources, such as creditinformation (e.g., FICA scores), viewer address, account servicepackage, residence, income range, etc. This information is captured andstored in customer database 422.

The advertising services application 410 may utilize each of theseinformation sources to generate demographic profiles for account holdersand users. A demographic profile, e.g., may specify a gender, incomerange, family structure (e.g., dual income, no children), creditworthiness, age range, residential area, etc. In addition, the profileinformation stored in database 210A and the personalized electronicprogramming guides enable the advertising services application 410 tocapture even greater details, such as the types of programming contentthe viewer has interest in (e.g., personal preferences or interests), aswell as the viewing habits (e.g., particular time of day, number ofhours, etc. a viewer is watching television). This information may befacilitated e.g., using the single sign on feature that identifies boththe user and device. As indicated above, this information may becaptured in MKIS database 420 over time to determine the viewing habitsand preferences of the viewer.

Video on demand (VOD) server 402 may be a source of content whereby auser requests a particular program or content selection for viewingand/or recording. The content may be stored at the VOD server 402 andstreamed to the viewer's device (e.g., one or both of devices 214B) uponrequest. The viewer may perform a variety of functions with respect tothe content, e.g., fast-forward through portions, rewind, or pauseportions, etc., via control options at the viewer's location (e.g.,remote control device or device selections). These activities, e.g.,requesting the content, moving forward or backward through the contentpresentation, pausing, terminating the stream, etc., may also becaptured, e.g., via the channel monitoring activities described above.In this manner, the viewer's behavior may be monitored and utilized bythe targeted advertising services 108 in determining what types ofadvertising may be transmitted.

Turning now to FIG. 10, a flow diagram describing a process forimplementing the targeted advertising services 108 in exemplaryembodiments will now be described. The process begins at step 450whereby the advertising services application 410 gathers profileinformation, past viewing behaviors, and external data for its viewingaudience at step 452. As indicated above, this information may begathered from and/or stored in databases 420, 210A, 422, and 426. Theadvertising services application 410 builds demographic profiles forusers based upon the gathered information and stores the demographicprofiles in database 426 at step 454.

At step 456, the host system 202B receives a request from an advertiserto present an advertisement to a population of the viewing audience(e.g., device users). The advertiser provides a set of businessparameters for establishing the target audience, timing of theadvertisement, and program placement, to name a few.

At step 458, the advertising services application 410 searchesdemographic profiles database 426 to identify those demographic profilesthat satisfy the criteria provided in the business parameters (e.g.,target a cereal advertisement to males between the ages of 6 and 10).The EPG guide database 424 may be searched in order to determine theprogram placement for the advertisement if specified by the advertiser.Once the demographic profile is identified, the advertising servicesapplication 410 identifies those users (e.g., via profiles, personalizedEPGs, etc.) that meet the demographic profile.

At step 460, the advertisement is assigned by the ad server 404 fordistribution to the targeted audience (e.g., users identified indemographic profile) and the advertisement is transmitted tocorresponding communications devices 214. At step 462, it is determinedwhether there are any further advertisements in need of distribution(e.g., where the business parameters specify that the advertisement mustbe distributed a specific number of times or over a specified timerange). If there are additional advertisements, the process returns tostep 460. Otherwise, the process ends at step 464.

As indicated above, the results of the distribution of advertisementsmay be used to generate reports for advertisers, as well as for billingpurposes. The advertisement distribution data may be captured by hostsystem 202B, e.g., via ad server 404 and networks 206 and transmitted tothe ad traffic, billing and reporting system 406 for report generationand transmission. In addition, the data captured by the targetedadvertising services may be used to develop and implement a businessmodel for generating revenue. For example, the targeted advertisingservices provide the capability to capture and synthesize the detailedactivities of viewers. This information may be used to provideadvertisers with useful information about the particular demographicssurrounding potential or actual purchasers of products sold by theadvertisers. Suppose, for example, that an advertiser sells MP3 players.The targeted audience selected for receiving advertisements related toMP3 players may be monitored in order to determine how successful theadvertisement is. It may be that the anticipated audience is notwatching television at the time the advertisement is displayed (e.g.,after 10 p.m. during the school year as compared to the summer monthswhen older children are awake longer hours). It may also be that arenegade hit television show unexpectedly draws an audience of thedesired, targeted age group. The actual (versus ‘anticipated’) viewingbehaviors may be captured by the targeted advertising services andrelayed to the relevant advertisers, such that modifications to thetargeted viewing audience can be realized in near real time. Inaddition, the targeted advertising services may track the purchasingactivities of the viewer (e.g., via the e-wallet feature) and may chargea premium for this information.

As indicated above, a channel monitoring application may be used tointermittently collect viewing behavior by users of communicationsdevices 214B. The channel monitoring application may reside anywherewithin the network convergence infrastructure 102, e.g., within networks206, gateway 412, and set top boxes 216B, to name a few. The clickstream data captured by the channel monitoring application providesinformation, such as whether a communications device 214B is currentlyactive (e.g., user signed on to device) or whether a user ofcommunications device 214B is currently viewing a program (e.g., viachannel changes, volume adjustment, etc.). This information may beuseful in determining whether a viewer actually perceived theadvertisement that was presented (e.g., the user did not leave the roomduring the advertisement because the click stream data at the timeindicates a volume adjustment). This click stream data may be gatheredby the advertising services application 410 and used by the advertiserin establishing business parameters. For example, the advertiser mayspecify that a number of advertisements must be ‘perceived’ by viewersand not simply transmitted to the communications device. Reportingdetails regarding this parameter may be captured and presented to theadvertiser in order to demonstrate compliance with the businessparameter, as well as for billing purposes.

In further exemplary embodiments, the advertisement may be targeted to aspecific device within a household. Depending upon the nature of thetransmission (e.g., broadcast versus unicast), this may be accomplishedusing a variety of techniques. For example, if a program content isunicast, then the advertising services application 410 identifies thosecommunications devices which have been activated by a viewer and whichmeets the demographic profile criteria (e.g., the viewer has signed onto LIVINGROOM_TV.PPPoE@domainaddress.non, where PPPoE is determined tobe a viewer that fits the demographic profile). The advertising servicesapplication 410 presents the information to the ad server 404, which inturn, transmits the advertisement directly to the device address. Inthis manner, each IPTV device in a household may be presented withdifferent advertisements while watching the same channel. In addition,if the user is viewing content from VOD server 402, the advertisingservices application 410 may direct the ad server 404 to transmit anadvertisement at a designated time (e.g., immediately prior todisplaying the content) to the viewer.

If the transmission is broadcast, the advertisement may be targeted to aspecific communications device using a different technique, as describedin FIG. 11. The system of FIG. 11 includes elements similar to thosedescribed in FIGS. 2, 4, and 9. To this extent, these elements will notbe further described.

The system of FIG. 11 includes an iterative ad application 470 executingon a set top box 216D. Once the advertising services application 410Adetermines a communications device that meets the requirements set forthin the demographic profile described above in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, theadvertising services application 410 uses the EPG in database 424 todetermine a schedule (e.g., timing and placement) of the advertisementfor the device. The advertising services application 410A issues arequest to the ad server 404 to upload advertisements to the set top box216D of the communications device 214D at a given time (e.g., off-peaktimes). At the given time, the advertisements and schedule aredistributed over networks 206 to the set top box 216D. The iterative adapplication 470 includes logic for ensuring that the advertisements arepresented according to the schedule. In addition, the iterative adapplication 470 may include the click stream functionality in order todetermine whether the advertisement was successfully viewed by the userof communications device 214D. This information may then be transmittedto host system 202B for further processing as described above.

In yet further embodiments, the targeted advertising services 108 mayenable host system 202B to track purchases conducted via the e-walletfeature provided by the consolidated system services 106-118. Thee-wallet feature may be accessed directly (e.g., via personal device-topwindow 370 of FIG. 6), or may be accessed by selecting a function on aremote control device for the communications device 214 when prompted onthe display screen. The host system 202B may identify purchases made byusers of communications devices and may further collect otherinformation about the purchases (e.g., user role, advertisementidentifier and time of order, etc.).

As indicated above, caller identification services 110 may beimplemented via the network convergence infrastructure 102. The calleridentification services 110 enable IPTV subscribers to view callerinformation directly on the IPTV device. The caller information isrouted over various network elements depending upon the caller andcalling device network configuration. FIG. 12 illustrates a systemembodiment for calls terminating at a wireline communications device.FIG. 14 illustrates a system embodiment for calls terminating at awireless mobile communications device. Each of the system embodimentsdescribed in FIGS. 12 and 14 are implemented using a termination attempttrigger or similar triggering event as will be described further herein.FIG. 15 illustrates a system embodiment for implementing the calleridentification services without the termination attempt trigger. FIG. 15also illustrates an example of the caller information as it may bedisplayed on a device. Alternatively, or additionally, the caller partyinformation may be rendered as an audible announcement delivered overthe IPTV audio system.

Turning now to FIG. 12, a block diagram of a portion of the networkconvergence infrastructure 102 for implementing the calleridentification services 110 for calls terminating at a wirelinecommunications device will now be described in exemplary embodiments.The system of FIG. 12 includes elements similar to those described inFIGS. 2, 4, 9, and 11. To this extent, these elements will not befurther described.

For ease of illustration, the system of FIG. 12 depicts a simplifiednetwork infrastructure. It will be understood that a variety of networkcomponents/nodes may be utilized in implementing the embodimentdescribed herein. The system of FIG. 12 includes a controller system(e.g., service control point (SCP) server or application server) 502 incommunication with a communications device 214E over one or morenetworks 206A and 206B. Controller system 502 may also communicate withnetworks 206D. Communications device 214E may be a wireline telephoneassociated with the account also servicing the communications device214B (e.g., both devices are within the community of a single account orhousehold and may be co-located at a single customer premises).

Public switched telephone network (PSTN) 206A may include central officeswitches (not shown), which in turn may include service switching point(SSP) functionality (not shown). The switches originate and/or terminatecalls and communicate over the SS7 network 206B with controller system502 and a caller identification name database (e.g., CNAM database) 504to determine how to route a call, or set up and manage a call featuresuch as the caller identification services 110. Caller identificationdatabase 504 may include a table of telephony user information (e.g.,subscriber names and numbers) and maps the names to the caller partynumbers received at the controller system 502. Controller system 502 isalso in communication with an IPTV database 505. IPTV database 505 maystore account information for subscribers of the caller identificationservices 110 (e.g., users of communications devices 214E and 214B). Inalternate exemplary embodiments, the caller and/or the called party maybe served by an IMS-based telecommunications network that is capable ofresponding to triggering events, and is in communication with a CNAMdatabase by SS7 or IP connectivity.

In exemplary embodiments, IPTV database 505 contains IPTV addresses forIPTV-enabled communications devices (e.g., communications device 214B),each of which are mapped to another communications device address (e.g.,telephone number assigned to a user of communications device 214E). Theaddresses for these devices are mapped to one another, such that calleridentification information for a call that is directed to a firstcommunications device via a voice network (e.g., communications device214E) is transmitted to, and presented on, an IPTV-enabledcommunications device (e.g., communications device 214B) over a datanetwork (e.g., networks 206D). Controller system 502 executes anapplication for implementing these services, referred to herein ascaller identification services application 506. Caller identificationservices application 506 may be a service package application (SPA).Service package applications facilitate various communications features,such as caller identification services and call blocking. SPAs may beinitiated as a result of a termination attempt triggering event asdescribed herein.

SS7 network 206B may include various network elements, such as signaltransfer points (STPs) (not shown), packet switches for routing callsignaling traffic through the networks 206. The SS7 network 206B maytransmit the call signals via reserved channels, or signaling links,that connect central offices of PSTN 206A (not shown) and other networkelements.

Networks 206D may include an IP-based network that receives callinformation from controller system 502 and delivers the call informationto set top box 216B and communications device 214B for display or otherrendering on the communications device 214B.

The caller identification services 110 may utilize a termination triggerpoint that, upon detection, triggers the caller identification servicesapplication 506 to process the incoming call signal and is implementedby the caller identification services application 506 as describedherein. The caller identification services application 506 may beimplemented, e.g., as an advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) applicationand protocols, using SIP signaling, using a Java application utilizingdata transmission protocols, such as XML and SOAP, or a combination ofthese or other program implementation. When a telephone call is placedby a calling party (e.g., shown as incoming call to PSTN 206A), thecalling signal is transmitted as described herein.

Turning now to FIG. 13, a flow diagram describing a process forimplementing the caller identification services 110 for callsterminating at a wireline communications device (e.g., PSTN-enableddevice) over a voice network will now be described in exemplaryembodiments.

A communication is initiated by a caller communications device over avoice network (e.g., PSTN 206A). A central office switch or SSP of PSTN206A receives the communication (e.g., communication signaling),resulting in a termination attempt trigger. The trigger causes acommunication request to proceed over SS7 network 206B via, e.g., asignal transfer point (STP). At step 550, the communication request isreceived at the controller system 502. The communication requestincludes call-related information, e.g., called party number (e.g., anumber assigned with communications device 214E) and caller partynumber. The caller identification services application 506 authorizes acommunication session between the called party device and the callerparty device via a return reply (e.g., termination authorization signal)over the signaling network (e.g., SS7 network 206B). At the same time,caller identification database 504 is searched for caller partyidentification information (e.g., caller name).

At step 554, the caller party identification information is retrievedfrom database 504. The caller identification services application 506searches IPTV database 505 for the called party number. The called partynumber may be used to map communications address information fordevices, such as communications devices 214E and 214B. An IPTV addressmapped to the called party number is retrieved at step 556. The IPTVaddress may be a uniform resource locator (URL), Internet address, orother type of address. At step 558, the caller party identificationinformation is transmitted over a data network (e.g., networks 206D) tothe IPTV-enabled communications device assigned to the IPTV address(e.g., communications device 214B). The caller party identificationinformation may be transmitted to the set top box 216B of theIPTV-enabled communications device 214B using, e.g., UDP/HTTP protocols,where it is displayed or otherwise rendered on the IPTV device. It willbe understood that database 505 may include information specifying whichof several IPTV set top boxes have requested to receive callerinformation, and which have not.

The caller identification services 110 described above may be modifiedor adapted to varying communication networks. Turning now to FIG. 14, asystem for implementing the caller identification services for callsterminating at a wireless mobile communications device will now bedescribed in exemplary embodiments. The system of FIG. 14 includeselements similar to those described above in FIGS. 2, 4, 9, 11, and 12.To this extent, these elements will not be further described. As shownin FIG. 14, a subscriber of the caller identification services 110communicates via communications device 214C, which may be a wirelessmobile telephone operating over a cellular network.

An incoming call to communications device 214C (communications request)proceeds through PSTN 206A, SS7 network 206B, and on to GSM (GlobalSystem for Mobile Communications) network 206C. The communicationrequest is routed by the GSM 206C to a mobile switching center (MSC)508, which is responsible for routing incoming and outgoing calls withinits own network or to and from a wireline network (e.g., PSTN 206A) orto and from other wireless networks.

The MSC 508 queries a home location register (HLR) 510, which providesthe administrative information required to authenticate, register andlocate the called communications device 214C. Once authenticated,registered, and located, the MSC 508 transmits the communicationsrequest to controller system 502A. This communications request mayresult from, e.g., a Wireless Intelligent Network (WIN) trigger, aCustomized Applications for Mobile Network Enhanced Logic (CAMEL)trigger, or other triggering event such as used in an IMS-based network.The caller identification services application 506A authorizes thecommunication via a message transmitted back to the MSC 508 whereby theMSC 508 terminates the call via GSM network 206C and a wireless basestation 218C. At the same time the call is being delivered, the calleridentification services application 506A searches caller identificationdatabase 504 for caller party identification information (e.g., callername). The caller identification services application 506A searches IPTVdatabase 505 for the called party number, which may be used to mapcommunications address information for devices, such as communicationsdevices 214C and 214B. An IPTV address mapped to the called party numberis retrieved and the caller party identification information istransmitted over a data network (e.g., networks 206D) to theIPTV-enabled communications device assigned to the IPTV address (e.g.,communications device 214B). It will be understood that the calleridentification services 110 described above in FIG. 14 may be easilymodified to accommodate other types of wireless communications devices,e.g., a dual- or multi-mode communications device using, e.g., an IEEE802 wireless LAN or other wireless network.

Turning now to FIG. 15, a block diagram of a portion of the networkconvergence infrastructure for implementing IPTV caller identificationservices 110 in alternative exemplary embodiments will now be described.The embodiments described in FIGS. 12 and 14 utilize a terminationattempt trigger for initiating the caller identification services 110.However, a termination attempt trigger implementation may have certainlimitations in some network implementations that limit its usefulness inthis application. The system described in FIG. 15 provides analternative means for implementing the caller identification services.

An incoming call is received at the PSTN 206A. A Custom Local AreaSignaling Service (CLASS) feature in the receiving central office switchof PSTN 206A initiates a query, e.g., a TR-1188 message, for callerparty identification information. The central office switch is typicallynot required to know which controller system is responsible for managingthe caller party identification information. The query is transmitted toa signal transfer point (STP) via the SS7 network 206E. The STP accessesa global title translation table database 512 in order to determine theappropriate controller system to send the request. Translation tables514 include a numbering plan area and exchange field (NPA-NXX), adestination point code (DPC) field and a subsystem number (SSN) field.The NPA-NXX field corresponds to calling numbers for subscribers. TheDPC field refers to a destination address for a controller system thathandles a particular NPA-NXX. The subsystem number identifies theservice that is being requested.

Once the controller system responsible for the caller partyidentification is determined, the request is forwarded to the controllersystem (e.g., controller system 502B). A CLASS caller identificationapplication 509 executing on the controller system 502B determines whichof its services are handled by the subsystem number. This may beimplemented by accessing service table database 518. Service tables 522stored therein include a subsystem number field (SSN) and service field(SVC). The service field identifies which service is invoked by a givensubsystem number. In this case, the subsystem number relates to theservice package application which provides the CLASS Caller ID service.However, the CLASS application 509 is modified to incorporate the IPTVcaller identification services capability 110. The CLASS application 509optionally performs normal Caller ID processing, returning the normalreply message, containing the caller name information, to the centraloffice switch. Then the caller identification services component 506B,which has been added to the CLASS application, accesses IPTV database505 and searches records 524 for the called party account (e.g., theaccount associated with communications device 214E. The records 524provide a mapping of subscriber data to the IPTV-enabled devices (e.g.,communications device 214B or set top box 216B) associated with thecaller identification services 110 subscribers.

The caller identification services component 506B also searches calleridentification database 504 in order to determine the caller partyidentification information (e.g., caller name). The caller partyidentification is transmitted over networks 206D to communicationsdevice 214B as previously described. As noted, the normal CLASS callerparty identification information may be transmitted over SS7 network206E and PSTN 206A to the called device (e.g., communications device214E) in a manner similar to that described above in FIGS. 12 and 14.

As indicated above, communications messaging services 112 may beimplemented via the network convergence infrastructure 102. Thecommunications messaging services 112 provide various messaging andcontent delivery functions to subscribers of IPTV-enabled devices.Turning now to FIG. 16, a block diagram of a portion of the networkconvergence infrastructure 102 for implementing communications messagingservices 112 will now be described in exemplary embodiments. The systemof FIG. 16 includes elements similar to those described in FIGS. 2, 4,9, 11, 12, 14, and 15. To this extent, these elements will not befurther described.

The system of FIG. 16 includes a host system 202C in communication withcommunications devices 602 and 214E, a mail server 604 and a web server606 over networks 206E. Host system 202C executes one or moreapplications for implementing the communications message services 112described herein. These one or more applications are collectivelyreferred to herein as a communications service features application 608.The communications messaging services 112 provide for the distributionof communications and messaging content to IPTV-enabled devices andinclude short messaging service (SMS) communications and imagestransmitted from mobile communications devices, local video-on-demandcontent, public or private channel-based content, and Internet-basedcontent. The SMS and image communications may be facilitated via networkcomponents, such as short messaging service centers (SMSCs), gatewaycomponents implemented via, e.g., networks 206E. The host system 202Cmay provide all or a portion of the functionality required forimplementing the receipt, processing, and distribution of electronicmessages (e.g., SMS, instant messaging, and email). Alternatively, hostsystem 202C may provide a portion of the functionality; that is, theelectronic messages may be processed in a ‘store-and-forward’ manner toother network elements, e.g., mail server 604 and web server 606, whichmay provide messaging services to recipient communications devices(e.g., communications device 214E). If the functionality resides solelyin the host system 202C, the host system 202C may include a web servercomponent, mail server component, and other components as needed.

The host system 202C may communicate with one or more storage devices,such as storage devices 612 and 614 for implementing the communicationsmessaging services 112. Storage device 612 may store account records forsubscribers of the communications messaging services 112. Accounts areestablished for subscribers and include an identification of thesubscriber, an Internet Protocol television address of the subscriberthat identifies the IPTV device (e.g., communications device 602,communications device 214E) for which the services are desired andenables the host system 202C to communicate with the IPTV device. Theaccounts further identify the subscribed service (e.g., electronicmessaging, local video-on-demand, channel-based content, andInternet-based content).

Storage device 614 may store various types of content used in providingthe communications messaging services 112. For example, storage device614 may store local video-on-demand content, channel-based content,Internet sources of content, and may temporarily store SMS messages andimages awaiting transmission to subscriber devices.

Local video-on-demand services may include providing network storage forpersonal video content of a subscriber. In addition, the localvideo-on-demand services enable the subscriber to designate entitiesauthorized to receive or access the video content. For example, asubscriber stores video footage of a family vacation on the network(e.g., storage device 614). The subscriber specifies names and/or IPTVaddresses of friends or relatives that are authorized to view thecontent. The local video-on-demand services provide a means by whichauthorized viewers may be authenticated to the network system and accessthe content. The authentication and delivery functions may beimplemented via the account information stored in storage device 612.

The channel-based content services provide a means by which subscribersmay establish a private or restricted channel of content that istransmitted over one or more networks (e.g., networks 206E) toauthorized recipients (e.g., those who have been identified by thesubscriber in the corresponding account). Authorized recipients may thenaccess the content from an IPTV device (e.g., communications device214E) by first authenticating themselves with the network system (e.g.,user name and password credentials). These credentials may be the samecredentials used in providing the customized content services 106described above in FIGS. 4-8. A channel-based content subscriber may bea business enterprise that distributes business-related content to itsemployees via a dedicated channel provided by the communicationsmessaging services 112.

The Internet-based content relates to Internet Protocol-based contentthat is distributed over an IP network (e.g., streaming video contentprovided via a content source). The communications messaging services112 enables subscribers of this service to select from ‘channels’ orcontent provider sources and receive selected content via IPTV-enableddevices (e.g., communications device 214E).

Turning now to FIG. 17, a flow diagram describing a process forimplementing the communications messaging services will now be describedin exemplary embodiments. At step 620, an account is created for asubscriber of one or more of the communications messaging services 112.One or more IPTV addresses are assigned to the account (or to individualusers in the account) at step 622. The IPTV addresses may include aunique identifier and destination information (e.g., a GUID of the settop box 216E of the communications device 214E and a network address).

At step 624, an IPTV service selection is received from the subscriber.The selection may be stored in the account created in step 620. Theselected service is provisioned for the subscriber at step 626. Uponreceiving a request (and successful validation of the subscriber'scredentials), the content may be delivered to the IPTV address of thesubscriber, or to an IPTV address of an authorized viewer of thecontent, depending upon the type of service selected.

The electronic messaging services feature may be implemented usingvarious techniques. In one embodiment, a user of communications device602 transmits an SMS message to a recipient (e.g.,404-555-5555@domainaddress.non). The SMS message is transmitted overnetworks 206E to host system 202C. The SMS message is transmitted overnetworks 206E to host system 202C. The SMS message is delivered to mailserver (e.g., mail server component of host system 202C) that servicesthe destination address of the recipient. The communications servicesfeature application 608 receives the SMS message from the mail server.If an image or video is attached, it is removed from the SMS message andstored in a repository (e.g., storage device 614) or web server 606. Auniform resource locator for the repository is provided in theforwarding instructions. When the recipient set top box 216E receivesthe SMS message and instructions, it accesses the uniform resourcelocator to retrieve the image, which is displayed with the SMS messageon the IPTV device 214E.

FIG. 18 is a high-level view of an exemplary system architecture forimplementing an IPTV system. A customer premises 702 includes IPTVclient devices which may be televisions 214B coupled to set top boxes(STBs), wireless devices 214C, computing devices 214A, etc. The devicesare addressable by a device address such as a GUID, MAC address, SIMidentifier, etc. The STBs (not shown) are coupled to a residentialgateway 704 and then to a communication device 216A, such as a DSLmodem. The STB may also include a digital video recorder (DVR) or becoupled to a DVR for storing information and content as describedherein.

A distribution network 705 may interface with the DSL modem 216A througha digital subscriber line access multiplexor (DSLAM) 706. The DSLAM 706may communicate with various video serving offices (VSOs) (e.g., SERVINGOFCs 1-4) via edge aggregation routers (EARs) 708. At least one VSO mayinterface with a video head end office (VHO) (e.g., HEAD END OFC) 710through a broadband aggregation router (BAR) 712. The VHO 710 interfaceswith the BAR 712 through a head end router (IHR) 714 which communicateswith multiple systems for distributing content. At least one contentsystem may include a video-on-demand unit 716 for providing content uponrequest by an IPTV client. Other content sources may include a mediadistribution system 718, which may deliver broadcast content on anational or regional basis. A media acquisition system 720 may receivecontent from an encoder 722 that formats content from a contentaggregator 724. It is understood that the system components in FIG. 18may be interconnected using a variety of network technologies includingwired and wireless technologies such as LAN, WAN, Internet, ATM, PSTN,Ethernet, 802.11, etc.

The system architecture depicted in FIG. 18 may be used in implementingone or more of the consolidated monitoring system services 106-118 asdescribed below.

As indicated above, emergency alerts/notification services 114 may beimplemented via the network convergence infrastructure 102. Theemergency alerts/notification services 114 enable information serviceproviders to distribute important emergency information or alertsrelating to, e.g., weather events or natural disasters, man-madedisasters (e.g., chemical spills), and/or public safety events (e.g.,AMBER alerts) over a network to Internet Protocol television-enableddevices. Turning now to FIG. 19, a block diagram of a portion of thenetwork convergence infrastructure 102 for implementing emergencyalerts/notification services 114 will now be described in exemplaryembodiments. The system of FIG. 19 includes elements similar to thosedescribed in FIGS. 2, 4, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, and 18. To this extent,these elements will not be further described.

IPTV devices 214G may receive programming from STBs 214G in a mannerknown in the art. An IPTV notification server 750 is coupled to the STBs214G through an IP network. The notification server 750 may execute analerts application 755 to implement the emergency alert/notificationservices 114 described herein. The notification server 750 may also bein communication with a storage device 756 that stores subscriberaccount information (e.g., account identifications, GUID or IPTV deviceidentifiers, IPTV device addresses, geographic information, such as zipcodes or FIPS codes, etc.).

An emergency alert server (EAS) 752 is coupled to the notificationserver 750 and an alert source 754 (e.g., an AM/FM/NOAA antenna). TheEAS 752 monitors AM/FM/NOAA bands from antenna 754 for emergencyannouncements. If an emergency announcement is received at the EAS 752,a geographic code associated with the emergency announcement is parsed.The geographic code may be a zip code, a federal information processingstandards (FIPS) code etc. The notification server 750 may be providedwith the emergency announcement and the corresponding geographic code.

The notification server 750 may operate in two modes. In a first mode,the emergency announcement is delivered only to the STBs that aresubscribed to the alerts/notification services 114 and located in aregion corresponding to the geographic code associated with theemergency announcement. According to exemplary embodiments, thenotification server 750 may determine the STBs subscribed to thealerts/notification services 114 and located in the region correspondingto the geographic code by reviewing account information corresponding tothe STBs. In particular, the notification server 750 may review accountinformation to determine the accounts including geographic informationthat matches the geographic code associated with the emergencyannouncement and may retrieve the IPTV device addresses corresponding tothe accounts including geographic information matching the geographiccode. The notification server 750 may then send the emergencyannouncement to the STBs associated with the retrieved IPTV deviceaddresses. This reduces bandwidth usage on the IPTV network.

In an alternate embodiment, the notification server 750 sends theemergency announcement and the associated geographic code to all STBsthat are subscribed to the alerts/notification services 114. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment, the notification server 750 may determinethe STBs subscribed to the alerts/notification services 114 by reviewingaccount information corresponding to the STBs. The STBs may then ignoreor display the emergency announcement depending on whether the STBlocation corresponds to the geographic code in the emergencyannouncement.

The notification server 750 may communicate with other notificationservers 750 or ‘upstream’ content providers for receiving anddistributing the alerts. For example, the notification servers mayoperate using a system architecture similar to that depicted in FIG. 18whereby content originates from a head end office (e.g., office 710) andis distributed based upon, e.g., geographic regions to one or more ofserving offices (e.g., servicing offices 705) to end devices.

As indicated above, network visualization services 116 may beimplemented via the network convergence infrastructure 102. The networkvisualization services 116 enable a network user and a networkprovider's technician teams to monitor network performance. Variousmetrics may be provided to the user through the network visualizationservices 116 as described herein. These services 116 may then be used toidentify performance issues, causes, and potential solutions.

Turning now to FIG. 20, a block diagram of a portion of the networkconvergence infrastructure 102 for implementing network visualizationservices 116 will now be described in exemplary embodiments. The systemof FIG. 20 includes elements similar to those described in FIGS. 2, 4,9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18 and 19. To this extent, these elements willnot be further described.

FIG. 20 illustrates IPTV network components for facilitating the networkvisualization services 116. As shown in the system of FIG. 20, aresidential gateway server 802 and two IPTV clients 804 including STBsare coupled to a local area network (LAN) 806. The IPTV clients 804 andresidential gateway 802 may execute a Simple Network Management Protocol(SNMP) client that monitors network performance with respect to the IPTVclient activities. The network visualization services 116 may enablecertain quality parameters to be measured and monitored, such aslatency, jitter, delay, etc. The SNMP client may be implemented using aproprietary tool or may be implemented using an off-the-shelf product,e.g., PRTG Traffic Grapher™ by Paessler Incorporated.

An internal server 810 (also referred to herein as ‘network monitoringsystem’) implements an SNMP client as well within the IPTVinfrastructure. For example, internal server 810 may be implemented at acentral office, serving office (e.g., office 705 of FIG. 18), and/orhead end office (e.g., head end office 710 of FIG. 18). Each of theoffices may communicate via SNMP client-enabled internal servers forsharing network and media performance data gathered by their respectiveregions. The sharing of information may be used to identify potentialsources of network contention, e.g., upstream-originating issues thataffect down-stream offices and serving areas. The network visualizationapplication 812 may identify individual IPTV network clients (e.g.,clients 804) via, e.g., an account that is established for eachrespective IPTV client that subscribes to the network visualizationservices 116. The account may be implemented in a similar fashion asthat described above with respect to the customized content services 106of FIGS. 4 through 8 or other accounts described with respect to theconsolidated system services 106-118. The accounts may be used todistribute client-specific (e.g., IPTV client device) performance datato respective IPTV devices.

Various metrics may be provided to the IPTV client user through thenetwork visualization services 116. The metrics may be viewed over aperiod time such as minutes, hours, days, etc. The metrics may bepresented in graphical formats showing real time metrics for networktraffic and a separate window for metrics over a period of time (e.g.,last 24 hours). The user may access the network visualization services116, e.g., through a guide on the STB. The guide may include technicalphone numbers or other contact information for requesting technicalassistance. Users may see metrics related to their local service. Thenetwork provider technicians (phone support, field technicians, etc.)can see metrics for much wider portions, or the entire network, as shownin network cloud 814 of FIG. 20 (e.g., Tiered support). The networkprovider technicians may also monitor network performance usingSNMP-enabled clients if desired.

Some of the metrics may include a number of B frames, I frames, Pframes, number and types of media streams, latency, jitter, delay, frameloss, packet loss, luminance quality, chrominance quality, etc. Thenumber of high definition and standard definition channels viewed may becollected and tracked. The network visualization tool can generate ascore for media streams and/or for the entire IPTV network. Othermetrics may include monitoring of encoding (H.264 or VC-1 fromMicrosoft®) to determine the number of streams. Voice and/or videotelephony signaling (session initiation protocol (SIP), H.323) may bemonitored to indicate when calls were made. Voice streams such as rawvoice (G7.11) or compressed voice streams (G.723/G.729/G.726) may bemonitored to determine types of voice streams to/from the household(e.g., the IPTV clients for LAN 806. Graphical depictions of networkperformance data are shown in user interface screens 830, 832, and 834of FIGS. 21-23, respectively.

The network visualization application 812 may be configured to establishparameters for performance ranges (e.g., minimum and maximum data valuesfor defining acceptable versus unacceptable performance) or otherperformance range criteria and values. The parameters may be used as abaseline to identify the existence of a performance issue as well as aseverity measure for the issue.

In determining a cause of a condition relating to network and mediaperformance, the network visualization application 812 may be configuredto query external systems (e.g., peer serving offices 705, contentsources, such as AM/FM/NOAA antenna 754 of FIG. 19) in assessingpotential causes of performance conditions.

Once the data has been gathered for a particular IPTV client and/or acommunity of IPTV clients (e.g., via serving offices 705 and/or head endoffice 710), the data may be used to identify issues and causes of anyperceived problems associated with network performance. Turning now toFIG. 24, a flow diagram describing a process for implementing thenetwork visualization services 116 will now be described in accordancewith exemplary embodiments.

At step 850, an IPTV address is assigned to a network monitoring system(e.g., internal server 810). The IPTV address may be used to establish acommunication session with the IPTV client device 804 and/or to gathernetwork and media performance data from the IPTV client device 804. Thenetwork monitoring system gathers performance and media data for theIPTV client device, as well as other IPTV client devices to which it hasbeen assigned at step 852.

At step 854, the performance data gathered is transmitted (e.g., in realtime) to the IPTV client 804 using the IPTV client address in theaccount. At step 856, it is determined whether a triggering event hasoccurred. A triggering event may be a condition, the occurrence of whichcauses the network visualization application 812 to perform an analysisof a user's network and media performance. The triggering event may be asimple request from the respective IPTV client 804 to perform ananalysis. Alternatively, the triggering event may be an issue detectedwith respect to a network device or system through which service isprovided to subscribers. Alternatively, the triggering event might be aperiodic or scheduled sampling and analysis by a network serviceprovider.

If no triggering event has occurred, the process returns to step 852whereby the network monitoring system 810 continues to monitor theassigned IPTV client(s). Otherwise, the network visualizationapplication 812 compares the gathered data to parameters established forthe device (e.g., based upon a service level package) or a definednetwork performance value (e.g., acceptable versus unacceptable) at step858. If the performance data gathered within a range specified by theparameters at step 860, the process returns to step 852 whereby thenetwork monitoring system 810 continues to gather performance data.Otherwise, the network monitoring system 810 gathers and analyzesexternal sources of network performance data in order to determine acause or origination of the issue resulting in the out-of-rangeperformance values at step 862. As indicated above, the external sourcesof information may come from other network monitoring systems located ina nearby region (e.g., serving offices 705, weather informationprovider, emergency information provider, power supplier, etc.). Theresults of the analysis are recorded in storage of the networkmonitoring system 810 at step 864.

At step 866, if the network monitoring system 810 has completed itsanalysis, the process returns to step 852. Otherwise, the processreturns to step 862 whereby additional external information gatheringmay be conducted. The information recorded may be used to provide neuralnetwork services 118 as described herein. In this context, the termneural-network services refers to analysis capabilities that may beimplemented using actual neural networks, simulated neural networks, orconventional computer processing systems designed to manage complexsystems efficiently.

As indicated above, neural network services (also referred to herein asmedia content analysis, distribution, and re-allocation services) 118may be implemented via the network convergence infrastructure 102. Theneural network services 118 provide a means for determining how toallocate content across an IPTV network based upon factors or decisioncriteria, such as forecasted demand, network contention issues, plannednetwork maintenance, etc. These factors may be quantified by metrics,e.g., bandwidth availability/capacity, CPU processing requirements, anddisk storage constraints across the network. In addition, the decisioncriteria and metrics may be generated or modified by a service provideror other entity as needed.

Turning now to FIG. 25, a block diagram of a portion of the networkconvergence infrastructure 102 for implementing neural network services118 will now be described in exemplary embodiments. The system of FIG.25 includes elements similar to those described in FIGS. 2, 4, 9, 11,12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, and 20. To this extent, these elements will notbe further described.

As indicated above, the neural network services 118 enable a serviceprovider to determine how to allocate content (e.g., music, video, data,etc.) across an IPTV network. Content may be stored and distributed frommultiple sources in the IPTV network. While broadcast content isviewable at a certain time, other content may be provided on avideo-on-demand (VOD) basis and can be stored in variety of locationsincluding a video head end (e.g., head end office 710), video servingoffice (e.g., servicing offices 705A and 705B), a DVR at a gatewaydevice 704 (e.g., a set top box in communication with an IPTV device) atthe user premises, etc. Given these multiple storage locations, adetermination may be made of the optimum location for storing content.

The system of FIG. 25 depicts a neural network analyzer 900 thatutilizes, e.g., principles of neural networks for continuouslyre-calculating and re-allocating content within a media distributionapplication layered over an IP network in determining where content maybe stored. The neural network analyzer 900 may be implemented, e.g.,using a computer processing device in communication with offices 710 and705. According to an exemplary embodiment, the neural network analyzer900 is capable of learning and adjusting as the network topology changes(e.g., adding components to the network, such as routers, switches,etc.) and as the costs of transport changes. A reallocation applicationand inventory database 902 may be in communication with the neuralnetwork analyzer 900. The reallocation application 902 handles themovement of content from one location to another (e.g., from servingoffice 705A to serving office 705B) in response to input from the neuralnetwork analyzer 900. The inventory database maintains the location ofcontent on the network such that the IPTV network knows where to locatethe content when needed.

The neural network analyzer 900 may determine an optimum storageposition for content so that the customer can access content quickly(which promotes storage near the client) while still reducing totalstorage consumed by the content (which promotes storage at the VHE). Theneural network analyzer 900 may balance these competing interests todetermine optimum placement of content.

In addition, the content may be stored in a tiered fashion (e.g., wherehigh-demand content is pushed into a storage location closer to thereceiving devices, while low-demand content is allocated to a remotestorage location). The anticipated demand described above is one of manydecision criteria that may be used in establishing and utilizing tieredstorage. It will be understood that multiple levels or tiers of storagethroughout the network may be determined as desired.

As indicated above, the neural network analyzer 900 may consider avariety of factors in determining where to store content. Popularity ofthe content may be one factor. Time of day when the content is typicallyrequested may be another factor. The cost to deliver the content interms of network cost and the cost of storage space at differentlocations may be additional factors. The neural network analyzer 900adapts to changing conditions on the IPTV network to alter storagelocations for content. This may be implemented, e.g., via a learningalgorithm. The reallocation application 902 directs the movement ofcontent across the network and the inventory database is updated toreflect where content is stored.

The neural network analyzer 900 may react to current network conditionsand predicted demand for content. Some of this information may beobtained, e.g., from activities conducted via the network visualizationservices 116 described above. Statistical data relating to who, what,where, and when content is accessed by content receiving devices (e.g.,communications devices 114), or other network nodes, e.g., set topboxes, residential gateways, remote terminal devices, serving/head endoffices, content providers, etc., may be collected via the neuralnetwork analyzer 900. The data is aggregated such that a serviceprovider receives non-customer specific information in order to protectprivacy interests. The network analyzer 900, in conjunction with thereallocation application 902, provides a deterministic calculation (andcontinual re-calculation) of where to strategically place content inorder to minimize impact to the network while maximizing servicedelivery.

Certain content determined to be popular during specified seasons may beallocated accordingly due to seasonal demand. For example, the TenCommandments is popular around Easter, and the neural network services118 may distribute this film closer to the clients (e.g., IPTV clientdevice 702) to reduce the effect on total network resources. In otherwords, moving content from the head end 710 to the serving office 705Aand/or 705B in anticipation of high demand will conserve transportresources of the IPTV network. Once the anticipated demand is returnedto normal levels, the re-allocated content may be returned to itsoriginal storage location.

As described above, the exemplary embodiments can be in the form ofcomputer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing thoseprocesses. The exemplary embodiments can also be in the form of computerprogram code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such asfloppy diskettes, CD ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readablestorage medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded intoand executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus forpracticing the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments can alsobe in the form of computer program code, for example, whether stored ina storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, ortransmitted over some transmission medium, loaded into and/or executedby a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such asover electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or viaelectromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code isloaded into an executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatusfor practicing the exemplary embodiments. When implemented on ageneral-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segmentsconfigure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying outthis invention, but that the invention will include all embodimentsfalling within the scope of the claims. Moreover, the use of the termsfirst, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but ratherthe terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element fromanother. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote alimitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least oneof the referenced item.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: storing, in an account of asubscriber, a globally unique identifier for each of a plurality ofInternet Protocol-enabled devices associated with the subscriber; foreach of the plurality of Internet Protocol-enabled devices, appendingthe globally unique identifier to a network address of the subscriber inthe account, wherein each of the plurality of Internet Protocol-enableddevices is uniquely addressable via the appended globally uniqueidentifier and network address; provisioning a subscriber-selectedcommunications service for the account; assigning, to the account,subscriber-selected permissions for defining access to features of thecommunications service for individuals specified in the account withrespect to a corresponding Internet Protocol-enabled device, thepermissions being assigned based on a combined user identifier andcorresponding globally unique identifier; and providing thecommunications service to the individuals associated with the accountsubject to the permissions.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein theprovisioned communications service is electronic messaging, the methodfurther comprising: receiving an electronic message including text and adestination address, sending the electronic message to a recipientdevice based upon the destination address.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein the electronic message includes an image attachment, the methodfurther comprising: setting a parameter in forwarding instructions ofthe electronic message to reflect the image attachment; removing theimage attachment from the electronic message and storing the imageattachment in a repository; and providing a uniform resource locator forthe repository in the forwarding instructions.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the provisioned communications service selected is channel-basedcontent services, the method further comprising: establishing adedicated communications channel for the subscriber; and transmittingchannel-based content, over the dedicated communications channel, toindividuals specified in the account subject to the permissions.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the provisioned communications serviceselected is Internet-based content services, the method furthercomprising: receiving a selection of Internet-based content sources fromthe subscriber; storing the selection in the account; and presentingInternet-based content from the selection to a subscriber-selectedInternet Protocol-enabled device upon a request by the subscriber. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein the permissions include assigningtime-of-day based restrictions to inbound and outbound communications.7. The method of claim 1, wherein the permissions include assigningdestination address based restrictions to communications.
 8. A system,comprising: a memory comprising computer-executable instructions; and aprocessor executing the computer-executable instructions, thecomputer-executable instructions when executed by the processor causethe processor to perform operations comprising: storing, in an accountof a subscriber, a globally unique identifier for each of a plurality ofInternet Protocol-enabled devices associated with the subscriber; foreach of the plurality of Internet Protocol-enabled devices, appendingthe globally unique identifier to a network address of the subscriber inthe account, wherein each of the plurality of Internet Protocol-enableddevices is uniquely addressable via the appended globally uniqueidentifier and network address; provisioning a subscriber-selectedcommunications service for the account; assigning, to the account,subscriber-selected permissions for defining access to features of thecommunications service for individuals specified in the account withrespect to a corresponding Internet Protocol-enabled device, thepermissions being assigned based on a combined user identifier andcorresponding globally unique identifier; and providing thecommunications service to the individuals associated with the accountsubject to the permissions.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein theprovisioned communications service is electronic messaging, theoperations further comprising: receiving an electronic message includingtext and a destination address, sending the electronic message to arecipient device based upon the destination address.
 10. The system ofclaim 9, wherein the electronic message includes an image attachment,the operations further comprising: setting a parameter in forwardinginstructions of the electronic message to reflect the image attachment;removing the image attachment from the electronic message and storingthe image attachment in a repository; and providing a uniform resourcelocator for the repository in the forwarding instructions.
 11. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the provisioned communications serviceselected is channel-based content services, the operations furthercomprising: establishing a dedicated communications channel for thesubscriber; and transmitting channel-based content, over the dedicatedcommunications channel, to individuals specified in the account subjectto the permissions.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein the provisionedcommunications service selected is Internet-based content services, theoperations further comprising: receiving a selection of Internet-basedcontent sources from the subscriber; storing the selection in theaccount; and presenting Internet-based content from the selection to asubscriber-selected Internet Protocol-enabled device upon a request bythe subscriber.
 13. The system of claim 8, wherein the permissionsinclude assigning time-of-day based restrictions to inbound and outboundcommunications.
 14. The system of claim 8, wherein the permissionsinclude assigning destination address based restrictions tocommunications.
 15. A computer program product comprising anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructionsembodied thereon, which when executed by a computer cause the computerto implement operations, comprising: storing, in an account of asubscriber, a globally unique identifier for each of a plurality ofInternet Protocol-enabled devices associated with the subscriber; foreach of the plurality of Internet Protocol-enabled devices, appendingthe globally unique identifier to a network address of the subscriber inthe account, wherein each of the plurality of Internet Protocol-enableddevices is uniquely addressable via the appended globally uniqueidentifier and network address; provisioning a subscriber-selectedcommunications service for the account; assigning, to the account,subscriber-selected permissions for defining access to features of thecommunications service for individuals specified in the account withrespect to a corresponding Internet Protocol-enabled device, thepermissions being assigned based on a combined user identifier andcorresponding globally unique identifier; and providing thecommunications service to the individuals associated with the accountsubject to the permissions.
 16. The computer program product of claim15, wherein the provisioned communications service is electronicmessaging, the operations further comprising: receiving an electronicmessage including text and a destination address, sending the electronicmessage to a recipient device based upon the destination address. 17.The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the electronic messageincludes an image attachment, the operations further comprising: settinga parameter in forwarding instructions of the electronic message toreflect the image attachment; removing the image attachment from theelectronic message and storing the image attachment in a repository; andproviding a uniform resource locator for the repository in theforwarding instructions.
 18. The computer program product of claim 15,wherein the provisioned communications service selected is channel-basedcontent services, the operations further comprising: establishing adedicated communications channel for the subscriber; and transmittingchannel-based content, over the dedicated communications channel, toindividuals specified in the account subject to the permissions.
 19. Thecomputer program product of claim 15, wherein the provisionedcommunications service selected is Internet-based content services, theoperations further comprising: receiving a selection of Internet-basedcontent sources from the subscriber; storing the selection in theaccount; and presenting Internet-based content from the selection to asubscriber-selected Internet Protocol-enabled device upon a request bythe subscriber.
 20. The computer program product of claim 15, whereinthe permissions include assigning time-of-day based restrictions toinbound and outbound communications.